Miami Marlins

The Marlins start off with the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals on April 4th. The Marlins with a new look and a completely rebuilt team. The additions of Reyes, Bell, Buehrle, and who can forget Ozzie, make this team totally different. A lot hinges on what attitude will Hanley bring to Spring Training and into the season. Josh Johnson is the main factor for the season as a whole. How he is at the beginning of the season isn't as important as the middle or end of the season, especially if their in the hunt for the NL East or Wild Card. After Johnson they have Buehrle. He is just an innings eater. He has pitched over 200 innings every year since 2001. Nolasco and Sanchez will round out the top of the rotation. After the starters come out Heath Bell will come in to close. Over the last three years he has saved atlest 42 games a season. Even more impressive is saving them with the Padres. Let's face it in the NL they usually play a different style than the AL. The Marlins are built fast. Bonifacio and Reyes are threats to run on any pitcher on any count. Bonifacio had 40 SB last year. If Reyes can stay off the DL, there's no telling how many SB's he'll have. The power and youth of Mike Stanton is a major plus going into this season. Nobody really knows how the new stadium will play, but Stanton will not be concerend. His power will carry anywhere. The concern I have about the stadium is will it hurt or help Reyes' triples numbers. The last two years comined Reyes has hit 26 triples. That's also with stints on the DL. There are some major unknowns with this team, but one of the best stories going into the season. After all the money spent "How good will they be?". The first month of the season they play Cardinals, Reds, Phillies, Astros, Cubs, National, Mets, and D-Backs. If their a contending team they will have no problems with wins the 1st month, except the Phillies.